PolyHeater Accessory
for Jupiter XR AFM
The PolyHeater™ accessory for the Jupiter™ XR AFM heats samples, up to 15 mm in diameter, fromroom temperature to 300°C while allowing for high quality imaging. In combination with blueDrive™,
the PolyHeater is an ideal accessory for a wide range of thermally-controlled experiments.

PolyHeater Experiments
From polymer melting and crystallization, to device failure
testing, the ability to cool and heat samples as they are
imaged by an AFM is important for material characterization.
The PolyHeater allows for nanoscale structural andmechanical changes to be observed at the same time as
the sample temperature is varied.

PolyHeater Ease of Use
Several options exist to immobilize samples on the heating
sample mount. Samples attached to standard metal AFM

PolyHeater sample stage. The sample can be immobilized on theheating stage using clamps (shown here), thermally conductive
paste, or magnetically.

sample discs can be placed directly on the temperature

blueDrive for Imaging Stability

controlled metal surface of the stage and are held

Asylum Research’s exclusive blueDrive technology improves

magnetically. Free standing samples can be immobilizedtapping mode-based imaging techniques by replacing

using metal clips. Alternatively, thermally conductive pastepiezoacoustic excitation of the cantilever with photothermal

can serve as the sample immobilization method. The

excitation. With blueDrive, cantilever tuning is clean andtemperature controlled surface of the PolyHeater stage has

avoids the so-called “forest of peaks”. Having only one

an active area of 15 mm in diameter and can hold slightly

peak simplifies the tuning procedure and speeds up thelarger samples. The stage has four convenient access ports

experimental setup. Additionally, unlike piezoacoustic drive,that allow for dry or inert gas input or electrical access. An

blueDrive is both stable over time, enabling extended

optional cantilever holder with a flexible membrane can beperiods of data collection without any adjustments by theused to create a semi-sealed imaging environment.

user, and lower noise.

58°C

126°C

30°C

Thin polymer film melting was performed on the PolyHeater accessory to demonstrate the environmental control, high imaging speed(13 Hz, ~20 sec per image), and imaging stability over several hours. Polystyrene/Polypropylene thin film on silicon substrate was heated
gradually from room temperature to 58°C to 126°C and then back down to 30°C.
1

Accessory chuck for safe accessory operation
The accessory chuck has an embedded ID chip which is automaticallyrecognized by the software to simplify the experimental setup. The
accessory chuck provides a stable XY scanner attachment base for theaccessories and its flexible membrane protects the AFM from accidental
liquid spills.

Specifications
The PolyHeater kit includes the sample
heater stage and an accessory
kit containing an initial supply ofconsumable items required foroperation. The PolyHeater accessory
also requires an environmental control
expansion card and an accessorya)b)chuck that can be shared with otherenvironmental control accessories.
Temperature control• Heats from ambient to 300°C• 0.2°C sensor precision and 0.5°C sensor
accuracy with <0.2°C overshootEnvironmental control• Four 1/16” access ports area) Accessory chuck placed on the XY scanner b) Close up view of the input portsof the PolyHeater stage mounted on the accessory chuck.

Environmental Control Card			
Closed Loop Accuracy
The PolyHeater requires the environmental control expansion card,
which plugs directly to the Jupiter expansion port. It ensures closedloop performance independent of the AFM controller. All control andmeasurement functions are fully programmable through the softwareinterface, including built-in support for temperature ramps. Fully
integrated temperature information is stored with each AFM image.
SmartStart allows plug and play operation without the use of parameter
files.

provided for tubing orelectrical connections• The sample chamber can be semisealed to control gas environment
with optional cantilever holder
Sample compatibility• Samples up to 20 mm diameter (15 mmrecommended) and 2 mm thickness• Supports up to 10 mm sample translation
Cleaning• Wipe with alcohol; do not immerse in fluid
System compatibility
Jupiter XR
MFP-3D Infinity™

The foregoing brochure is copyrighted by Oxford Instruments Asylum Research, Inc. Oxford
Instruments Asylum Research, Inc. does not intend the brochure or any part thereof to form part ofany order or contract or regarded as a representation relating to the products or service concerned,
but it may, with acknowledgement to Oxford Instruments Asylum Research, Inc., be used, applied or
reproduced for any purpose. Oxford Instruments Asylum Research, Inc. reserves the right to alter,without notice the specification, design or conditions of supply of any product or service. 3/2020

Oxford Instruments
Asylum Research Inc.
6310 Hollister Avenue
Santa Barbara, CA 93117

Phone +1-805-696-6466
https://AFM.oxinst.com
AFM.info@oxinst.com